The US U17 national team defeated Brazil 3-1 on Sunday night in Lakewood Ranch, Florida to win the 2011 Nike International Friendlies.

After a draw against France and a win against Turkey, the US and Brazil entered into the game even on four points.

The United States opened the scoring in the second minute when Rubio Rubin received a flick-on header from Shaquell Moore off a set piece and then craftily volleyed it past Brazilian keeper Guilherme for a 1-0 lead.

Brazil equalized in the 16th minute on a strike from Matheus to even the score at 1-1.

The United States regained the lead in the 31st minute through Tyler Turner after a Brazil failed to clear an American free kick into the box. After a skirmish, the ball fell to the feet of Turner who took a few controls with his right foot and fired a shot from 10 yards into the top right corner for a 2-0 lead.

The United States took a two goal lead in the 43rd minute when Junior Flores made a brilliant run down the right side and sent in a cross that found Wesley Wade. Wade volleyed the ball past a diving Guilherme from just a few yards out for a 3-1 win.

The US victory was deserved as they outshot the Brazilians 9-3 an controlled most of the game.

This win marks a successful start to the 2013 U-17 cycle and the team will look to improve upon a disappointing performance at the 2011 U17 World Cup where they bowed out in the round of 16 with a loss to Germany.

What a wonderful series. All 4 teams were outstanding, USA clearly the class of the lot. Lots of talent, key will be to see where they disburse to for next steps in career - European Academies for some, MLS for others...

Bigdan49

Tuesday December 6, 2011 2:40 pm

Flores is like another really good midfielder. You may remember Maricio Cienfuegos. Short but fast and deadly accurate passes. You don't have to be a giant to play good soccer.

Jose

Monday December 5, 2011 1:42 pm

I watch the 3 games, USA play exelent, the last game again Brasil, our kids show them el "Joga Bonito", i enjoy watching this kids, they need to keep playing as a group here for 1 or 2 more years them jump to europe but in a team that they can be a startes, please dont sign this kids in MLS, Our future look great.

2tone

Monday December 5, 2011 10:32 am

Really impressed by the technical skill these guys showed throughout the tournament. They thouroughly outclassed Brasil yesterday. Flores, Wade, Moore, Turner, Baird, and Rubin are impressive players. Should be fun watching these guys grow and devleop these next 3 to 4 years. This current group of U-17's look like they are ready to beat any country they come up against.

Hoppy in ATL

Monday December 5, 2011 9:00 am

That Junior Flores kid was a lot of fun to watch.... Hopefully he gets a little bit bigger/stronger over the next year or two....

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